How to Write a Professional CV in 2026

• What is a CV?
• Why is a CV important?
• How to write a professional CV
• How long should your CV be?
• How often should you update your CV?
• Using AI to optimise your CV
• Addressing employment gaps
• Common CV mistakes to avoid
• Final CV checklist and next steps

1. Choose the right format

Choosing the correct CV format helps recruiters quickly understand your experience.

• Chronological CV: Lists roles in reverse chronological order and highlights career progression. This is the most commonly used format.
• Skills-based (functional) CV: Focuses on skills rather than job history and can work well for career changers or those with employment gaps.
• Combination CV: Blends both approaches, highlighting skills while maintaining a clear work history.

The best format is one that presents your experience clearly and makes it easy for recruiters to find key information.

2. Add clear contact information 

Your contact details should be easy to find at the top of your CV. Include:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Location (city or region)
• LinkedIn profile (if relevant and up to date)

Missing or unclear contact information can result in missed opportunities.

3. Include a professional summary 

A professional summary sits at the top of your CV and provides a brief overview of your experience, skills and career focus.

This section should:

• Be concise (3–4 lines)
• Clearly state your role, level of experience and key strengths
• Give recruiters a reason to keep reading

Think of it as your personal introduction rather than a list of responsibilities.

4. Showcase your work experience effectively 

Your work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role.

For each position:

• Include your job title, company name and dates of employment
• Include a short summary of what the company does 
• Provide a short overview of your responsibilities
• Focus on achievements rather than duties
• Use action verbs and quantify results where possible

Tailor this section to the role you’re applying for by highlighting the most relevant experience.

5. Include your education and relevant skills 

List your education in reverse chronological order, including:

• Qualification
• Institution
• Completion date

Your skills section should focus on abilities relevant to the role, including:

• Hard skills (technical knowledge, systems, tools)
• Soft skills (communication, leadership, problem-solving)

Where possible, demonstrate how you’ve applied these skills within your work experience.

6. Consider additional information 

Additional sections can strengthen your CV if they are relevant. These might include:

• Professional certifications
• Projects
• Language skills
• Voluntary or freelance work

Only include information that adds value and supports your application.

7. Adding references

It is no longer necessary to include references directly on your CV. Instead, a simple line such as “References available upon request” is sufficient. Always inform your referees before sharing their details with an employer.

8. Tailor your CV to the job description

Tailoring your CV to each role significantly improves your chances of being shortlisted.

This includes:

• Using keywords from the job description
• Highlighting relevant skills and experience
• Aligning your achievements with the employer’s requirements

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which scan CVs for relevant terms. Matching your language to the role can help your CV pass initial screening.

AI tools can be a valuable support when updating your CV, particularly for clarity, structure and keyword optimisation. Used correctly, they can save time and help ensure your CV aligns with the roles you’re applying for.

However, AI should enhance your CV, not replace your voice or experience. Recruiters can quickly spot generic, over-polished CVs that don’t reflect the individual behind them. Below are practical ways to use AI effectively and responsibly.

1. Identifying keywords from a job description

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs for relevant skills and terminology. AI can help you identify the keywords recruiters and systems are looking for.

How to do it:

• Copy the full job description into an AI tool
• Ask it to highlight the most important skills, responsibilities and keywords

Example prompt:

“Analyse this job description and highlight the key skills, experience and keywords that should be reflected in a CV.”

Once identified, ensure those keywords are used naturally within your CV, particularly in your professional summary and experience sections.

2. Tailoring your CV for a specific role

Rather than rewriting your CV from scratch, AI can help you adapt it for different roles.

How to do it:

• Paste your existing CV into the tool
• Add the job description
• Ask for guidance on alignment

Example prompt:

“Here’s my CV and a job description. Which areas of my CV should I tailor to better match this role?”

Use the output as guidance, not a final draft. You should still decide what experience is most relevant and how you want it phrased.

3. Strengthening achievements

If you struggle to articulate impact, AI can help you reframe responsibilities into achievements.

Example prompt:

“Turn this responsibility into an achievement-focused CV bullet point.”

You can then personalise the result by adding:

• Metrics
• Scope
• Outcomes

This keeps the CV credible and specific.

4. Proofreading and consistency

AI is useful as a final sense-check for:

• Spelling and grammar
• Consistent formatting
• Tone alignment

Example prompt:

“Proofread this CV for spelling, grammar and consistency without changing the meaning.”

This should complement and not replace your own words.

A word of caution

Avoid:

• Copying AI-generated CVs word-for-word
• Using overly generic phrasing
• Including skills or experience you don’t genuinely have

Recruiters value clarity, honesty and relevance. AI should support your thinking and not do it for you.

Your CV and LinkedIn profile are often reviewed together – sometimes within minutes of each other. If the two don’t align, it can raise unnecessary questions for recruiters and hiring managers. This doesn’t mean they need to be identical, but they should clearly tell the same career story.